Which radiographic finding is most commonly associated with osteoarthritis?

• A. Osteophyte formation
• B. Chondrocalcinosis
• C. Fat pad displacement
• D. Moth-eaten bone destruction

Answer: (A)

Osteoarthritis tends to produce bone changes at the joint margins as cartilage wears away, with osteophyte formation being the most characteristic and commonly seen feature on radiographs. These bony projections develop as the joint adapts to instability and cartilage loss, making them a hallmark sign of OA. While joint-space narrowing and subchondral sclerosis can also be present, the visible osteophytes are the classic radiographic marker. Other findings point to different conditions: chondrocalcinosis suggests calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, fat pad displacement is non-specific, and moth-eaten bone destruction is more typical of infections or malignancy.